Practice notes, April 2

UTSA officially passed the halfway point of spring practice Monday with its eight workout, leaving just six more before finishing up with the spring game on April 15.

So far, the returns seem to be solid. At the very least, as one observer noted, you can hear pads popping during workouts, which hasn’t always been the case with the fledgling Roadrunners during their first few years. (Still strange to type that as a plural.)

Depth, among many other things, is perhaps the biggest area of improvement. That’s especially evident at quarterback and the offensive line, where increased numbers seems to be making a big difference.

While incumbent Eric Soza would start if UTSA played today, redshirt freshman Ryan Polite and junior college transfer Tucker Carter have both had their moments this spring.

“I like it,” head coach Larry Coker said. “I’ve seen a lot from Ryan Polite, and a lot from Tucker (Carter). It’s a lot different than last year from the fact we have some competition.

I’ve seen a lot of improvement from Ryan. He’s starting to be comfortable in the offense. Tucker has a big-time arm. Not only that, he’s got a tremendously quick release. Eric, he knows his stuff. He likes the competition.”

That competition isn’t quite as thick along the offensive line, where the Roadrunners are still waiting for two transfers and two freshmen to enroll this fall. But a healthy Patrick Hoog at guard and the apparent improvement of sophomore tackle Josh Walker does give them more options.

“(Walker) has really stepped up and is starting to earn some playing time,” Coker said.

* Despite cutting down on the dropped passes and penalties that plagued them over the first two weeks, Coker still wants more improvement.

“I’d like to see the efficiency pick up,” he said. “We’re doing some good things, let’s just not beat ourselves.”

* The Roadrunners have gotten a little healthier with the returns of receivers Kam Jones, Brandon Freeman, Kenny Bias and Sean Hesler from nagging injuries. Despite their limitations, the receiver position has remained strong with 100-yard performances from Mike Wilburn and Earon Holmes in consecutive scrimmages.

“Those guys have a lot of talent, but they need to practice,” Coker said. “They know the competition is getting better. Guys are stepping up with more practice time and doing a good job.”

Safety Nic Johnston, tight end David Morgan and cornerback Darrien Starling remain the main absences.

* Coker is looking noticeably svelte this spring after dropping 17 pounds to his current playing weight of 180. No miracle surgeries or pills for Larry, whose formula has been laying off the Mexican food and spending more time on the treadmill.